George Russell sits just across from the giant Ferris wheel that is part of Suzuka’s fame. Walking by is Damon Hill, a champion minted here 30 years ago, when Murray Walker had to stop because he had a lump in his throat.

That is the life-changing achievement Russell wishes to emulate, and he is favourite to do so in a Mercedes that dominated the first two races and is likely to remain coveted for some while longer.

But he is not the only one making sacrifices to realise his dream. It is a team effort with his Spanish-born girlfriend Carmen Montero Mundt, even involving her getting up in the middle of the night.

In a paddock battling a nine-hour swing from London time ahead of Sunday’s Japanese Grand Prix, Russell said: ‘I have a really great group of people around me. Carmen is a huge part of that. She supports me in every way possible.

‘When I was in Melbourne and preparing to race she got on the time zone, going to bed at six at night and waking up at three in the morning.

‘I’m sure some people prefer going out for dinner with their friends instead. But not only does she support me mentally, she’s invested in what we’re trying to achieve. And that helps a lot. I feel very fortunate.’

George Russell with girlfriend Carmen Montero Mundt at the Chinese GP this month

The pair embrace after Russell’s win in Singapore in October 2025

The pair met by chance over a meal six years ago, when she did not know he was a Formula One driver. Now, having quit her high-flying financial job in London to live with Russell in Monaco, she regularly supports him at races. Their method is paying dividends: his first and second places in the first two rounds – as well as his buoyant mood and self-belief – attest to this.

But there is another relationship that has potential to be less rosy. That is with his team-mate Kimi Antonelli, who won last weekend in China, albeit after Russell was compromised in qualifying with a technical gremlin.

At this formative part of the 22-race season, Russell leads Antonelli by four points. The Italian, just 19, is quick but prone to unforced errors. But what if he develops extra confidence and assurance to become a rounded threat?

Could there then be a rerun of the animosity that marked Lewis Hamilton’s rivalry with Nico Rosberg in their Mercedes’ heyday a decade ago?

‘No,’ insisted Russell, 28, ahead of qualifying due to take place on Saturday. ‘We are different characters. We don’t have the history (unlike Hamilton and Rosberg who were friends and rivals since their karting days). We are different ages.

‘But Kimi’s a super-talented driver. He’s only in his second year, but when you look at the number of races we do now, with sprint races too, he’s got plenty of experience under his belt.

‘So I expect him to be fully on my tail. Last year, he was close to me. I think he will be even closer this year. But Toto (Wolff, team principal) has been quite clear in the sense we don’t want to repeat what happened with Lewis and Nico.’

A title win would buttress Russell’s place at Mercedes, who are constantly linked to Max Verstappen, Red Bull’s four-time world champion, whose team are struggling. It is a saga without end.

Mundt (left) with Alexandra Leclerc, wife of Ferrari star Charles, in Shanghai this month

Wolff’s take on Friday in Suzuka was that his dance with Dutchman is over. ‘There are no Max discussions,’ insisted the Austrian. ‘George has been here since 2017 and there is no reason that he shouldn’t stay here until 2037.

‘I could not be happier with our two drivers. The positioning of them with their age gap aligns with our strategy, so that means there are no discussions.’

It sounded a firm vote of confidence in his men, though let’s not be naive enough to rule out circumstances changing.

Russell may very well stay. But don’t forget the aforementioned Hill was sacked by Williams ahead of the season that followed his triumph beside the Ferris wheel.